Report: Dez Bryant could return punts in opener

Dez Bryant has rested for the last two weeks with patellar tendinitis in his knee but the Dallas Cowboys could use the wide receiver as their punt returner in the season opener Wednesday.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett did not rule out the possibility with the team just four days away from the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Bryant returned to practice today for the first time in two weeks.

“If he’s the best guy, and he’s healthy, we’ll give him a chance to do it,” Garrett said, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Those guys have to be reliable, first and foremost, in taking care of the ball. And then you obviously want to evaluate their playmaking ability after that. Dez has shown that he’s capable of doing both, and if he’s healthy, we’ll give him a chance to do it.”

Bryant has been injured in the past on special teams. He missed a game with thigh bruise last season suffered on a punt return. Bryant said the injury slowed him all season. He suffered a broken fibula on a kickoff return as a rookie in 2010.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune